How much are interns paid?
Interns from out-of-state will have their tuition reduced to the in-state rate. Most first-year half-time interns will make $440 biweekly, while ¾ time interns will make $660 biweekly. Interns in the Department of Student Housing also receive and apartment and meal plan, so their biweekly pay is reduced. Other sites may also pay slightly differently.
How much contact will I have with students?
All of the internships feature a great deal of student contact. Graduate interns are most often “front line” staff who work with students on a daily basis.
What jobs are expected of me as a graduate student?
This varies widely by internship site. Graduate interns are an integral part of each office’s operations, and can expect to counsel students, coordinate programs, and collaborate on a variety of projects. The goal of the internship is to compliment the academic program, so responsibilities may evolve as students proceed through the program. The position descriptions on this web site provide detailed expectations for each internship.
How are graduate interns paid? Do they get paid extra for work over breaks or summer?
Interns fill out a time sheet every two weeks for the hours they work. 50% internships should work at least 20 hours a week, while 75% internships work 30 hours per week. Each department handles break periods differently, some allow interns to increase their hours to be paid more and some do not. Some internships require summer work, while others provide the option, and others do not offer summer work opportunities.
How long am I allowed to keep this position?
Most internships are one-year appointments. Some prefer a two-year commitment. The position descriptions on this web site provide details. Students who wish to change internship sites for their second year may interview with new offices.
Are there any opportunities for me to develop projects or conduct research?
This type of activity is highly encouraged. One of the reasons that many offices hire students from the Higher Education Master’s program is their ability to bring their classroom learning to work. Conducing assessment projects or other research based on what you have learned will be of great benefit to the office and the student.
Who is my supervisor? Will I be assigned a mentor? Who do I go to if I have questions or concerns?
The contact person listed with the position description is typically the interns’ supervisor in that area. The Higher Education Student Association (HESA) also has a program called Link-Up, where each student is assigned a mentor from the professional staff in Student Success. The students and mentors attend HESA luncheons together and discuss the student’s plans for the future. Students will also find an extensive support network for their questions or concerns. Fellow students, supervisors, colleagues, faculty members, and others are all devoted to the students’ success.
What are the chances of securing a full time position in the office as a result of my internship experience?
Many graduates of the Higher Education Master’s program have found employment
at KU. Many others have found employment elsewhere in higher education. The
Master’s program has a 100% placement rate.
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